Friday, June 4, 2010

My search for healthy carbohydrates and introducing them to all my readers brings us to one such grain which I really enjoy and have enjoyed since childhood. This is a grain that is known as Bird's food unluckily here in the West, while known as the grain of the poor in the East. I hope you enjoy reading the benefits of this ancient grain known as Millet or Panicum miliaceum as known in Latin.

10 Things you do not know about Millet

1] Millets are boon to mankind since prehistoric times as they origin from Northern part of Africa, then spreading towards Egypt and further to Asian countries like India and China. To cultivate this grains require very little water and even non fertile soil which makes them favourable in many drought hit areas all over the world.
2] Millets do have high amount of good fiber typical for most of the ancient grains. This may be the reason that even in the ancient text of Ayurveda millet is referred to be used for those who face issues with constipation.
3] Being a gluten free grain, millet is very easy to digest which makes it to be a boon for those who suffer with celiac diseases as well as Irritable bowel syndrome and Autism.
4] This grain contain high amount of protein as compared to other carbohydrates like rice, wheat and corn a advantage in itself.
5] Millet do have Vitamin B, and minerals like phosphorus and magnesium which is one of the reason why this grain is good for bone development, heart conditions and hypertension.
6] New Research shows that millets do contain phyto-chemicals including Phytic acid which is one of the reason that this grain could be good for prevention of cancer.
7] In Ayurveda millet is seen as a grain for all those who need to lose weight. Obesity and obesity related conditions like diabetes, heart problems hypertension are some of the conditions where Ayurveda prefers one to eat this grain rather than wheat or rice.
8] This grain is also known to be hypoallergenic which means that very few could have allergic reaction because of this grain
9] The only issue with this grain is that it is believed to contain some goitrogen properties , thus those suffering with thyroid conditions should refrain from eating it on daily basis.
10] How to Use this Grain?
One can either use millet by boiling with water and making cereal as one did in the case of Amaranth. One other way to use them is by making millet flour and making pitta bread from them which is mostly preferred in Asian countries.

Why do not you give it try and add millet as one of the grain in your diet and see how you feel.

My search for healthy carbohydrates and introducing them to all my readers brings us to one such grain which I really enjoy and have enjoyed since childhood. This is a grain that is known as Bird's food unluckily here in the West, while known as the grain of the poor in the East. I hope you enjoy reading the benefits of this ancient grain known as Millet or Panicum miliaceum as known in Latin.

10 Things you do not know about Millet

1] Millets are boon to mankind since prehistoric times as they origin from Northern part of Africa, then spreading towards Egypt and further to Asian countries like India and China. To cultivate this grains require very little water and even non fertile soil which makes them favourable in many drought hit areas all over the world.
2] Millets do have high amount of good fiber typical for most of the ancient grains. This may be the reason that even in the ancient text of Ayurveda millet is referred to be used for those who face issues with constipation.
3] Being a gluten free grain, millet is very easy to digest which makes it to be a boon for those who suffer with celiac diseases as well as Irritable bowel syndrome and Autism.
4] This grain contain high amount of protein as compared to other carbohydrates like rice, wheat and corn a advantage in itself.
5] Millet do have Vitamin B, and minerals like phosphorus and magnesium which is one of the reason why this grain is good for bone development, heart conditions and hypertension.
6] New Research shows that millets do contain phyto-chemicals including Phytic acid which is one of the reason that this grain could be good for prevention of cancer.
7] In Ayurveda millet is seen as a grain for all those who need to lose weight. Obesity and obesity related conditions like diabetes, heart problems hypertension are some of the conditions where Ayurveda prefers one to eat this grain rather than wheat or rice.
8] This grain is also known to be hypoallergenic which means that very few could have allergic reaction because of this grain
9] The only issue with this grain is that it is believed to contain some goitrogen properties , thus those suffering with thyroid conditions should refrain from eating it on daily basis.
10] How to Use this Grain?
One can either use millet by boiling with water and making cereal as one did in the case of Amaranth. One other way to use them is by making millet flour and making pitta bread from them which is mostly preferred in Asian countries.

Why do not you give it try and add millet as one of the grain in your diet and see how you feel.